As utilities across the country continue to take steps to modernize their electric grids, stakeholders must take an increasingly thoughtful and methodical approach to evaluating these plans. This paper begins with a discussion of the potential benefits of grid modernization and the potential challenges to securing a favorable benefit-to-cost ratio for customers. This paper then focuses on the South Carolina Grid Improvement Plan proposed by Duke Energy, helping South Carolina stakeholders evaluate the plan’s breadth, cost, and recommendations.